FOOD OF THE COW. 23 



It must be remembered that no information is given 

 directly in this table on the cost of the butter or milk 

 produced by these several feedings, though this may be 

 calculated from it by any one who shall take the trouble. 

 The maxims of ordinary experience are, however, to be 

 taken as of superior importance to scientific observations 

 of such limited duration : and these are (1), to maintain 

 the cow in vigorous health, whatever may be the food 

 provided (2), to give it unrestrained access to good water 

 and (3), to change the food as often as possible, whether 

 by turning into a fresh pasture, or by alteration of winter 

 feeding in the stall. 



Crops and Foods for Dairy Stock. The cultivation 

 of the crops suitable as food for dairy stock has been 

 described in another Handbook. At present, a mere list 

 will be given of these crops, with a reference to their 

 probable yield per acre, the period of year during which 

 each is available, &c. (1.) Pasturage. The grass of old 

 meadows of good quality is the best possible summer food 

 for dairy cows. They will thus consume from 1 cwt. 

 upwards of green food daily. The annual yield of grass 

 from meadows will vary from 7 tons per acre during the 

 season up to 14. It is available in this climate generally, 

 from early in May till the middle of November or later ? 

 during which time an ordinary cow will consume from 10 

 to 14 tons of green food. (2.) Hay, well made from good 

 meadows, is the very best winter food for dairy cows. It 

 is economised by the addition of straw and roots and meal, 

 &c., but when given alone, must be supplied at the rate of 

 J cwt. daily, or thereabouts, a-head. (3.) The Clovers 

 afford capital grazing for young stock, and on arable dairy 



